Stepping is more than just a dance style. Developed in the early 1900s by some of the first African-American fraternities and sororities, it uses the entire body in both rhythm, sound and movement. Step Afrika! is a professional company dedicated to preserving, enhancing and spreading the word about the magic of stepping. On Sunday, April 13, 2025, Step Afrika! takes the stage in downtown Olympia when they bring their mesmerizing show to the Washington Center for the Performing Arts.
Traditional Stepping Comes Alive when Step Afrika! Takes the Washington Center Stage
First started by five fraternities and four sororities – today known as the Divine Nine – stepping has been traced back to our country’s earliest years. Researchers at Baylor University explain that through the decades it has blended the communicative marching beats of enslaved railway workers with post-World War I military drills. Today it further incorporates the flavors of hip-hop, African ritual dancing, cheer, tap and gymnastics.
Unlike the early iterations of stepping, where the body is the primary instrument, Step Afrika! combines dance, rhythm, live music, technology and storytelling with masterful physical precision. The group has traveled to all 50 states and more than 40 countries sharing their iconic performance style.
The Step Afrika! group was created in 1994 by C. Brian Williams. They work year-round to promote teamwork, academic achievement and cultural understanding. Step Afrika! has performed at the White House and other notable locations and are a key focus of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture showcasing the world’s first interactive stepping exhibit.
Your Toes Won’t Stop Tapping When Step Afrika! Visits Downtown Olympia
The April 13 Olympia visit is one of the final stops of their 30th anniversary season. Their tour performances celebrate their 19 full-time dancers, many of whom attended Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) and are members of Historically Black Greek Fraternities and Sororities.
“This production is the perfect introduction to stepping through both a traditional and contemporary lens,” shares Step Afrika!’s Margo Cunningham, the world’s leading authority on stepping.
Wherever they tour, audiences can’t help but take notice. In 2025 alone Step Afrika! appeared on the Kelly Clarkson Show and became a Guiness World Records title holder. In June 2024, their anniversary Gala was held at Arena Stage in Washington DC and they toured South Africa in August and September of last year.
While at the Washington Center, Step Afrika! will also perform for an all-student audience presenting the art, values and culture of stepping. They will also use stepping as a tool to exhibit their core values of teamwork, discipline, and commitment.
Step Lively to Reserve Your Step Afrika! Tickets Today
Olympia’s celebration of step takes place at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 13, 2025. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online, by calling 360.753.8586 or stepping (get your groove on) by the Washington Center for the Performing Arts. Their Box Office is open from noon until 5:30 p.m. from Tuesday through Saturday or two hours before any ticketed performance.
This year consider adding the gift of music and the arts to your family’s Easter baskets. The Washington Center has some all-ages fun in store for Spring Arts Walk Saturday starting with Doktor Kaboom! on April 26 at 10:30am and later that day an Encanto Sing Along on April 26 at 7p.m..
Other upcoming shows at the Washington Center include Black Box Jazz featuring Samantha Boshnack Ensemble on April 18 and the Tobi Stone Band on May 9. David Sedaris and Cameron Carpenter are both returning to the main stage in May.
Whatever your favorite style of dance, music, movement, humor or entertainment, the Washington Center has something for everyone. So step lively and don’t miss out…
